Give Him More Girls

"What?"

However, what he said made Fiora so surprised that she unconsciously opened her mouth wide, looking at Liam, who had already stood up with the sword in his hand.

"Woah? Are you sure?"

Not only she, but even Duke Edward and Emma were surprised as they looked at their son and then at Fiora.

Then, they both looked at each other as if they understood their son's intention.

It was just a case of puppy love.

They understood because they were young themselves.

Of course, Liam also saw their looks but had to accept the quest within one minute. So, he didn't have much choice, though he could explain.

"However, don't think it was because of her. Let me be clear: she and I have nothing to do with each other. I just helped her because she asked me to, that's all."

Liam spoke honestly, causing Fiora's expression to improve. At most, they were just friends, and she had only asked for his help because he was the only one she could rely on.

"Heh… yeah, yeah. I believe you. Now… just go to the training ground and swing that sword a thousand times. Don't cheat—I'll send someone to watch you,"

Duke Edward warned, completely ignoring Liam's explanation.

After all, who would believe someone who kidnapped a bride and took her to his home, claiming it was only to help?

Did he think they were idiots?

After warning Liam, Duke Edward immediately left the room as he had to calm down the situation caused by his son. Still, inwardly he was happy that his son finally showed interest in training.

'Maybe I need to let him marry a few more,' Duke Edward couldn't help but think inwardly.

"Okay, since your father has decided, I cannot say much."

Mother Emma finally spoke while caressing her son's hair and suddenly whispered in his ear.

"But… don't stress yourself too much. If you can't complete the challenge, just give up. Don't worry, I won't allow him to separate you two lovebirds."

Emma said with a big smile on her face, causing both Liam and Fiora to be speechless.

"Aunty, no, like he said. We have nothing to do with each other. He was just helping me."

Fiora couldn't take it anymore and immediately began to explain while giving big eyes to Liam.

'Why can't this guy explain properly?' she thought in anger.

"Yeah, Mom. It's not what you think. Why won't you trust me?" Liam rubbed his head, a headache forming as he noticed the doubtful look in his mother's eyes.

Why did no one ever take his word for it?

"Yeah, yeah. Of course, I trust you," she said with a half-smile. "Don't worry. Let Mom take care of this—you just focus on your training."

Emma nodded as if understanding. Then, she quickly came to Fiora, who was still in her wedding dress, grabbed her hand gently, and said with a smile,

"Don't worry. You might be in shock after what my son did to you. But I assure you, he's more charming than you think.

A little dramatic, yes. Slightly impulsive? Sure. But deep down, he's got a good heart—just… terrible timing. Kidnapping you was his way of saying 'I care.'"

She said this without giving Fiora a chance to react. She suddenly dragged her out of the room while ordering the maid,

"Leela, arrange a room and bath for Lady Fiora. We will discuss it after you freshen up, okay?"

Emma didn't allow Fiora to protest as she basically dragged her out of the room, leaving Liam with his sword. From start to finish, she didn't even allow him to talk back.

'So much for your trust.' Liam shook his head, seeing his mother's behaviour.

'Forget it. Things will come to light anyway. Let's just complete this quest for now. I want to know what happens after I complete 3 quests.'

Liam thought and slowly made his way to the training room while carrying the sword. No matter what, he had to be strong fast, otherwise he might die a few months later.

He knew that his father was hell-bent on usurping the damn throne.

------

"9923… 9924… 9925…"

In a spacious training ground, a tall boy with a handsome yet slightly chubby face held a sword in his arms, swinging it continuously.

Though his training vest was soaked with sweat and his breathing was ragged—as if he might collapse any second—he remained relentless.

His hands never faltered. His tall frame never wavered. He refused to succumb to the exhaustion creeping into every muscle of his body.

Honestly, he was unstoppable!

"9942… 9943… 9944…"

"Hey, is the young master possessed by a ghost? Why has he been swinging that sword for the past hour without a break?"

On the side, a young knight whispered to another, both watching the boy with a mix of awe and concern.

Liam Cromwell, the only heir of Duke Cromwell of the Elarion Kingdom, was infamous for being a dandy.

There had been many cases where the Duke tried to train him, but to no avail. As soon as the Duke was out of sight, he would start goofing around.

So, seeing him go at it so fiercely and for so long was shocking.

"I don't know! Normally, he stops as soon as the Lord leaves. But today… he hasn't stopped, even when we asked him to…"

"Should we inform the Lord? What if something happens to him?"

Another young knight asked, his voice tinged with genuine worry.

Just by looking at Liam's pale face, unfocused eyes, and trembling hands, they could tell how drained he was. If he didn't stop soon, something might go terribly wrong.

"What's going on here?"

Just as they were conflicted about what to do, a stern, deep voice echoed across the training grounds, followed by the appearance of a tall, broad-shouldered man—Duke Cromwell himself.

"...Lord…"

"Hmm," the Duke acknowledged with a nod, his eyes narrowing as he observed the listless figure of his son, who continued swinging his sword, seemingly oblivious to his father's arrival.

"How long has he been doing this?" the Duke asked, his voice calm but laced with authority.

Though his expression remained emotionless, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.

"Around an hour!" one of the knights at the side quickly replied.

"An hour?" The Duke raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised. Even he hadn't expected such dedication from his son. Besides, hadn't he only asked him to do it a thousand times?

Why was the count so far off?

"9982… 9983… 9984…"

Moreover, he was more surprised by the fact that even when he arrived, Liam showed no signs of stopping. His focus was absolute.

From his intense concentration and unwavering rhythm, it was clear—he wasn't pretending.

'It seems I was wrong about you before,' Duke Cromwell mused, a rare, faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

'Maybe… my method of training you was wrong. Should I arrange a few more girls for him or what?'